Yuki Tsunoda will drive the Honda RA272 at the F1 Mexican Grand Prix on October 26, marking the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first Formula One victory. The RA272, remembered for its iconic white livery and powerful 1.5-liter V12 engine, secured Honda’s breakthrough win at the same track in 1965 with Richie Ginther behind the wheel. Now, six decades later, Tsunoda will return this legendary machine to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, offering fans a rare glimpse of motorsport history in motion. For Honda, the showrun is not just a nostalgic celebration but also a reaffirmation of its ongoing journey in F1 as it prepares for a full-scale return in 2026.
Yuki Tsunoda to Drive Honda RA272 at F1 Mexican Grand Prix
Honda will mark a milestone in its motorsport legacy when Yuki Tsunoda, current Oracle Red Bull Racing driver, takes the wheel of the iconic Honda RA272 at the F1 Mexican Grand Prix on October 26. The event commemorates six decades since Honda’s first-ever Formula One victory, which was achieved at the very same circuit in 1965.
The RA272 was Honda’s second-year Formula One car, carrying Japan’s national colors in a striking white livery. Powered by a groundbreaking 1.5-liter V12 engine, the car became a national symbol of engineering excellence and determination. Richie Ginther’s win at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix not only marked Honda’s entry into motorsport history but also positioned Japan as a serious contender in global racing.
Ahead of the showrun, engineers from Honda Racing Corporation carried out specialized maintenance to prepare the RA272, which is preserved at the Honda Collection Hall in Japan. For Tsunoda, the experience is deeply personal. “It is an honor to drive the RA272 at the special place where Honda achieved its first F1 victory,” he said, expressing hope to inspire fans by showcasing the car that pioneered Japanese motorsport success.
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Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, echoed this sentiment: “Having Tsunoda, a driver representing Japan in F1, pilot this historic car holds great significance. This is a rare opportunity to reflect on Honda’s history of challenge while sharing dreams and hopes for the future with our fans.”
The celebration aligns with Honda’s broader initiative to revisit key moments in its racing history while preparing for its official F1 return as a power unit supplier in 2026. Earlier this year, the company staged similar showruns featuring the Williams Honda FW11 at Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week, underscoring its commitment to linking past achievements with future ambitions.
As the RA272 roars once more in Mexico City, fans will witness not just a tribute to the past but also a statement of intent from Honda as it embraces new challenges on the road back to Formula One glory.
